Tribute paid to father-of-three Gavin
Gavin Butcher died on February 25.
Tribute has been paid to a father-of-three who lost his battle with cancer.
Newhaven lifeboat crew member Gavin Butcher was diagnosed with terminal cancer in May last year while he was still serving on the Newhaven crew. He passed away peacefully last week on Monday February 25.
Coxswain Paul Legendre said, “Gavin was one of those larger than life characters who always looked out for others and really would do anything for anyone. We have so many great memories from his time on the boat.”
The 49-year-old was married to wife Lucy and had three young children.
Gavin, who lived in Denton with his family, joined the crew in 2006 and was appointed as assistant mechanic in 2008.
He was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 in recognition of his service.
After his diagnosis fellow crew and friends of the lifeboat station raised a whopping £8,390 last July for Macmillan Cancer Support, smashing their initial target of £2,000.
The team, who wanted to show its support to Gavin by taking part in the fundraisers, raised the amount by mountain biking 100 miles of the South Downs Way and a sponsored walk over part of the area.
Mr Legendre added, “The huge sum raised reflects the popularity of Gavin and how his volunteering work has been appreciated.
“Our sincere condolences go to his wife Lucy and his three young children, who are all in our thoughts at this most difficult time.
“He will be greatly missed by all that knew him, especially his friends at the Newhaven Lifeboat Station.”
As well as his voluntary work at Newhaven Lifeboat Gavin had also worked as a deputy shore works manager for the RNLI.
The date for his funeral is to be confirmed.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Thursday 23 May 2013
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